Disney World

And then, it was time for the big guns. The main show. The Magic freaking Kingdom. The moment and place I’d been dreaming about. Thankfully, we woke up all smiles.

Once again, we did magic hours, which completely pays off, and walked in with Minnie. It doesn’t get more exciting than that. We were second in line to see her.

Once again, our girl was so gracious and even complemented our shoes.

Then it was time for breakfast with Winnie and friends at The Crystal Palace, a favorite of ours because, unlike dining with the characters at Chef Mickey’s (in the Contemporary Hotel), you’re already in the park so you can pop in for your reservation and waste no time getting back to the action when you’re done.

Meeting Winnie was another highlight.

Lilly was obsessed with simply running through the castle from one side to another and staring at the tiled walls.

New bling.

Starting her early! My three-month-old niece Emmy.

Front row for Dream-Along with Mickey (get there 20 mins ahead) at Cinderella’s Castle.

Not quite sure about the small world. Or her world at that moment.

Time for a nap. For all of us.

The bus ride to and from the hotel was half the fun… for her.

Back at it!

Mickey at Town Square Theater is worth a Fast Pass. He’s the only character in any of the parks (minus princesses, of course) that talks and not just speaks but interacts. He talked to Lilly about her shirt, her Bunny. It was pretty cool.

In the store next door, you can get your ears customized, a first-timer’s rite of passage.

Dumbo got a facelift, now has two separate (identical) rides to help with crowds and an indoor playground while you wait.

I love this picture my sister took of her boys on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

At 9 and 6, they are the perfect age for Disney and had the time of their lives.

So did their grandparents.

One last look…

A final breakfast with the family.

Before heading out.

Disney, we’ll be back!